The topic at hand is about considering an ileostomy reversal when there is significant scar tissue present. An ileostomy reversal is a procedure to reconnect the bowel after an ileostomy, but dense internal scar tissue can complicate this process. The person is seeking advice from others who have gone through similar experiences to better prepare for their upcoming consultation with their doctor. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by the community:
1. Get more than one medical opinion:
- It's important to seek evaluations from multiple surgeons, especially those who specialize in colorectal surgeries and ostomy reversals. Look for surgeons with high success rates.
- Make sure you understand the specific procedure being proposed, whether it's a simple re-anastomosis or a J-pouch creation.
2. Early post-operative period is usually difficult but often improves:
- Many people report experiencing significant pain, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times a day), burning sensations, bloating, and gas in the initial weeks or months.
- However, positive experiences often include a gradual reduction in pain and frequency of bowel movements, with some individuals becoming pain-free and returning to normal activities after a few months.
3. Medication and fiber help regulate output:
- Medications like Lomotil and fiber supplements like Citrucel can help slow bowel motility and thicken stool, resulting in 8-10 oatmeal-like bowel movements per day.
4. Diet adjustments can ease symptoms and scar-tissue discomfort:
- Identifying "safe foods" can be beneficial. Some people find protein sources, cheese, yogurt, and soda crackers to be helpful, while bread may cause issues.
- Limiting gas-producing foods can help reduce painful gas trapped by adhesions.
5. Outcomes vary; be prepared for all possibilities:
- Experiences can differ greatly. Some people have excellent results, while others may face persistent pain, diarrhea, or even a return to dual ostomies due to complications.
- Success often depends on the surgeon's expertise, the extent of adhesions, and individual healing processes.
6. Lifestyle and emotional aspects:
- There is a learning curve involved, such as knowing when it's safe to pass gas, managing bowel movement frequency while working or socializing, and dealing with body-image concerns.
- Listening to detailed and candid stories from others who have been through similar experiences can help alleviate fears and set realistic expectations.
Products and medications mentioned include Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine) and Citrucel (methylcellulose fiber supplement).
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